Teachers

Exemplars publishes performance tasks in the areas of Math, Science and Developing Writers, to help teachers use and integrate authentic, standards-based assessment and instruction into their classrooms.

Our material includes rubrics, annotated anchor papers and teacher notes for assessment and instruction. It has been classroom tested and is based on sound scientific research.

As teachers, there are a number of things you can do to help your students become successful in problem solving, while meeting state, national and Common Core standards.

Research shows that students, who solve problems often, become better problem solvers than students who do not. Exemplars has created a series of professional resources to help you get started on the right foot. In the area of math, please refer to our Getting Started Guide for tips on engaging your students with problem solving. Our Science Toolkit offers equally helpful strategies for integrating our science material in your classroom. Real problem solving is new to many students. They will need practice to become successful. It is important to be persistent.

You can practice assessing sample pieces of student work using Exemplars Online Math and Science Tutorial. Additional examples can be found in our sample tasks, where student work has been assessed by Exemplars and annotated anchor papers are provided. Practice scoring with your colleagues and discuss your results. Some of the most powerful conversations teachers can have are about student work.

Assessment is more than assigning a score. It is using results to improve performance. Use the insight gained from assessment to inform your instructional practices. Examine the annotations on the Exemplars anchor papers. These often provide instructional clues based on what students have done. For tips, visit Tips for Using Exemplars.

Research shows that students who are good self-assessors perform at higher levels. Encourage your class to use the Exemplars student rubrics. Practice assessing together, as a whole class. Ask your students to assess their own work before submitting it to you, then assess it yourself and return their papers along with your assessment.

If you are an Exemplars user, you have access to our Online Users Group, a free forum, where you can ask questions, share successes, partner with other classrooms around the country and pass on other useful information. Our editors and professional development leaders participate regularly in discussions. To find out how to enroll, please contact us at infoREMOVETHISBEFORESENDING@exemplars.com. You can also join Exemplars on Facebook.

Several years ago, Connie Witt tried to implement a standards-based curriculum and grading system into her school district, Los Alamos. At that time, she received little feedback or enthusiasm from her colleagues. Nevertheless, she pushed on. Determined to turn things around, Connie purchased Exemplars with her own money and began to apply basic standards-based skills...